Growing up in San Francisco, CA, Valerie studied piano and composition at a young age in the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division. With this early training providing a strong foundation, Valerie continued her musical progression at UC Santa Barbara College of Creative Studies. It was there that Valerie got her first taste of improvisation, joining a rock and funk band, playing venues both on campus and off; other notable accomplishments include solo recitals for piano and composition as well as writing, producing and directing a musical play. After graduation she continued to hone her performance and composition chops before heading south to Los Angeles.

The vibrant L.A. music scene allowed Valerie to expand her skill, knowledge and exposure to a wide range of styles. Currently she plays actively in three bands - indie-rock tribute band Black Crystal Wolf Kids at venues as diverse as the Rose Bowl to the Paramount Studios backlot, the Universal City Walk stage, and sold-out shows at El Cid among others; New Orleans funk band The Terpsichords featured at LA funk-venue staples Fais Do Do, Harvelles and The Mint ; and multiple night clubs and community events all over LA County with jazz, soul and groove specialist Danny Meyer Music.

Building on her musical theatre experience from college, Valerie has been heavily involved with the Help Group and Summit View School in Los Angeles in fostering their theatre programs. For 9 consecutive years Valerie served as the Music Director for Summit View School's West Side and Valley campuses. Musicals performed include Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Working, Oliver, The Pajama Game, Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie and Grease, among others.

Valerie's other past projects include an original funk rock project called DIGGEM with an album released in 2013 titled Meet Me At the Chain featuring her song-writing skills and vocal ability; recording piano and keyboard tracks for the albums Will and Give me the Love or Give me the Fight and touring with Clifton Williams and the Blue James Band, as well as former original projects Tight Pants, Hazmat, Retro Transit Authority, Ween cover band Fat Lenny; and Top 40 cover band Smooth Touch at such venues as Pechanga Resort and Casino, Fantasy Springs Casino, Misty's at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, and featured concerts at the Hafif Estate's 'Concert Under the Stars' in La Verne, CA.